1. Guidelines for Students
Studying in New
Zealand

2. Cultural differences
 New Zealanders do some things differently to
People of other countries. Some of the differences
include:
 Generally New Zealanders are casual and relaxed,
and dress informally on most occasions.
 Many New Zealanders have a quite direct and frank
way of speaking.
 New Zealanders are not always punctual for social
occasions. Don’t be concerned or offended if
someone says they will meet you at, for example,
1.30pm and they don’t arrive until 1.45pm.
 Appointments are made in advance to see
professional people (e.g. to see a doctor or lecturer).

3. Cultural differences
 People are usually very happy to answer questions,
so don’t be shy.
 Personal privacy is important and subjects such as
salary, mortgages and age are not often discussed
by New Zealanders. These topics are not usually
discussed outside of the family.
 Sometimes New Zealanders can be offended if
people stare (look closely) at them and it may be
considered rude and aggressive.
 Sometimes New Zealanders can be offended by
personal comments such as “you have put on
weight”, “she is skinny” or “his hair is very grey”.

4. Cultural differences
 Generally people in New Zealand, especially adults,
like to hear people say “please” and “thank you”
when paying for goods and services or when help
has been given.
 New Zealanders find spitting and littering offensive.
Some can get upset if they see people do this.
 New Zealanders mostly speak quietly when on
public transport or in public spaces, even when with
friends.
 Many New Zealanders have pets, most commonly a
cat or dog.

5. Cultural differences
 New Zealanders can be passionate about sport -
particularly rugby. Playing sport is a great way to
make friends.
 Schools, institutions/education providers may be
open on Saturdays or Sundays but classes will
rarely be held on these days.
 Young New Zealand people (over 18 years of age)
often get together in pubs, bars or cafes rather than
in restaurants, which can be costly. It is acceptable
not to drink alcohol when socialising.

6. Cultural differences
 Tipping is not expected in New Zealand. Some
cafes and restaurants have a container for tips.
 Generally, New Zealand people do not bargain
when they go shopping, but for larger items such as
cars, whiteware, electrical appliances or even
bicycles there can be a range of prices and it is
acceptable to ask for a discount for cash. It may be
acceptable to bargain at open-air markets.
 New Zealanders don’t carry much cash as electronic
methods of payment are widely used.

7. Where to stay
Remember:
If you are under 18 years of age your
education provider will assess available
accommodation for you. This m u s t be with
immediate family or in a Homestay situation

8. H o me s ta y
1.You live with a family in their home.
2.You will be treated like one of the family
3. Rules set up by host family
4. Mealtimes will be shared together
5. Great for helping with your English
6. Always check with host family what you can do
and what you can’t do (laundry, shower, curfew
and meal)
7. Power-water is expensive so please use them
wisely

9. H O S TE L
 Single or share room
 Communal kitchen
 You are expected to clean your own room
 Located on campus or nearby
 Try www.unilodge.co.nz

10.  F la t t in g
 You rent a house or apartment with others.
 Furnish or non furnish
 Flats are usually unfurnished
 Price is subject to facilities
 Cooking meals and cleaning is usually shared
 Freedom
 Power-water is expensive so please use them wisely
 A lease of 6 months or more
 Security bond (2 or 3 weeks of the rental fee)
 Try www.trademe.co.nz for flatting in Auckland

11. General Information
 Generally, in New Zealand there is only enough hot
water to have a 10 minute shower each day.
 Heaters are dangerous to leave unattended.
 If you are using an electric blanket to warm your
bed, it is dangerous to leave it on while you’re
asleep.
 To view further information about renting, go to the
New Zealand Tenancy Service website:
w w w .te n a n c y.g o v t.n z .

12. How to get around - transport
 Walking is good exercise and safe during the
day. Try not to travel alone at night. When
travelling at any time, take all the normal
precautions you would at home. If you do
have any travel queries, or questions on how
to get around the city you are in or New
Zealand, you can visit your local I-SITE
Visitors Centres.

13. Bicycles - cycling/biking
 Riding a bicycle is a popular form of transport
for short journeys and mountain biking off-
road is a popular sport. Under New Zealand
law, you must wear a helmet when cycling,
and you must have front and back lights on at
night. Road rules apply to cyclists (refer to
‘Cars and Driving’ on p. 28 for how to get a
copy of the Road Code.)

14. What public transport is best for
you?
 The frequency of Public transport varies
around regular commuting commuting times
in the morning (7:30am – 9am) and evenings
(5pm – 7pm). Outside these times and
during the weekends the frequency is less.
However, there will generally always be
some form of public transport available in
your area. Student discounts are offered on
some public transport. Check before you buy
your ticket.

15. Buses
 Find out from local people, your education
provider or host family about the local bus
service.
 Timetables are available in shops, are posted
at bus stops and are also available on the
internet.
 There is a network of long distance buses
that travel throughout New Zealand.

16. Buses
 At rush hours the buses can get full. In New
Zealand there is a limit to the number of
people who can ride on a bus at a time. If a
bus is full, it will not stop at the bus stop to
pick more people up. If you do take a bus
late at night, sit near the driver rather than at
the back of the bus for safety reasons.

17. Trains
 If you live near a train line these can be good
mode for daily travel. www.maxx.co.nz
 If you ride a train late at night, it's safest to sit
in the driver’s carriage for safety reasons
 There are very few long distance trains.

18. Taxis
 Taxis cost more than other public transport
but can be good for occasions when several
people are sharing the fare or when public
transport is inconvenient or not available,
such as late at night.

19. Cars and driving
 You need to be 15 years old or over to drive in New
Zealand. All drivers must have a current and valid
New Zealand driver licence, International Driving
Permit, or overseas licence. You can drive on an
overseas licence for 12 months. After that you need
to apply for a New Zealand one. Carry your licence
with you at all times when driving.
 To drive a motorbike in New Zealand you must get a
motorbike licence.

20. Cars and driving
 There are three stages to getting a licence.
You must pass a test at each stage , that is, a
written and two practical driving tests.
 Licence conditions: L e a r n e r l i c e n c e
When learning to drive, you must have a
supervisor with you at all times when driving
(a person who holds and has held a full
licence for at least two years). No passengers
unless you are accompanied by a supervisor

21. Cars and driving
 R e s t r ic t e d lic e n c e
You can drive on your own between 5am and
10pm. To drive at other times you must have
a supervisor with you. No passengers unless
you are accompanied by a supervisor.
 F u ll lic e n c e
You can drive on your own and take
passengers at any time.

22. Cars and driving
 For more information on how to get a licence,
see factsheet 45 Learning to drive: how to get
your licence, available on the Land Transport
Safety Authority’s website:
w w w . lt s a . g o v t . n z

23. Cars and driving
 In New Zealand we drive on the left-hand side
of the road and there are a number of different
road rules, it is important you understand
before these before driving in New Zealand.
The Police enforce the driving laws and there
are penalties for breaking them such as fines,
having your licence taken off you, your vehicle
taken off you, or you can be sent to
JAIL

24. Cars and driving
 It is highly recommended you complete a
defensive driving course. These courses help
drivers, who already have some experience,
to learn how to drive safely in New Zealand.
Defensive driving courses are available in
most towns and cities. Ask locally, look in
your Telecom Yellow Pages or at your local
licensing agent for more information.

25. What happens if you have a car
accident?
 If you have a crash while driving and are not
badly hurt, you must stop and check to see if
anyone else is hurt. If someone is hurt, give
first aid or find a phone and dial 111 for
emergency services (e.g. an ambulance).
You will also need to protect the scene to
ensure that other crashes do not occur.

26. What happens if you have a car
accident?
 You must also tell the Police no later than 24
hours after the crash. If no one is hurt, you'll
need to give your name and address (and the
name and address of the owner of the vehicle
you are driving) as soon as possible but no
later than 48 hours after the crash to the
owner or driver of any other damaged vehicle
and the owner of any damaged property.

27. What happens if you have a car
accident?
 If you can’t find the owners, tell the Police as
soon as possible and no later than 60 hours
after the crash.

28. Owning a car - some important
information
 Think about whether you really need one -
most New Zealand students find they are too
costly. Cars lose value quickly so that when
you come to sell you may be disappointed
with what money you get for it, or you may
not be able to sell it at all.
 Also – carparking is very expensive in the city

29. Owning a car - some important
information
 Once you own a car you need to make sure
that it is licensed and has a warrant of fitness
(WoF) and you have taken out insurance. If
your vehicle does not have a current vehicle
licence and warrant of fitness you will be
fined. You can licence your vehicle at any
Land Transport Safety Authority agent, for
example, any New Zealand Post Shop. For
further information go to:
www.l t s a .g o v t .n z

30. Money matters
 New Zealanders do not carry large amounts
of cash or keep it at home.
 Large amounts of money are kept in bank
accounts.
 Bank account and bank details are very
private in New Zealand. Only you or an
authorised user can access your bank
account and banking details.

31. Money matters
 Personal finances are a private matter and
not discussed in New Zealand, even amongst
friends. If you have financial problems you
should talk to the student service team. They
may be able to provide you with advice on
what you can do. You should also talk to your
family.

32. Being careful with your spending
 Be careful how much money you spend in
your first two months until you understand a
little more about the costs you will face in the
coming months. This is to make sure you
have enough money left until the end of your
studies.
 If you need help managing your money, talk
to the student services team for budgeting
advice.

33. Lending
 do not lend money to anyone

34. ATMs - Automatic Teller
Machines
 ATMs allow you to withdraw and deposit
money, check your account balances, and
transfer funds between your accounts,
without going to the bank. There is a limit to
the amount of cash you can take out using an
ATM, this is usually NZ$800 per day, so if
you want to pay a big bill in cash, you'll need
to go to the branch, to withdraw the full
amount.

35. EFTPOS - Electronic Funds
Transfer at Point of Sale
 EFTPOS allows you to pay for purchases
without carrying cash. EFTPOS is very
popular with New Zealanders and is available
in most shops, restaurants and businesses.
 You can often use EFTPOS to get cash out
too.

36. Keeping yourself safe
 The laws operate to protect the rights of all
people in New Zealand, including visitors and
international students. New Zealand law may
be different to the law in your home country,
but this is no excuse for not obeying the law
and not knowing New Zealand law is also not
an acceptable excuse.

37. Keeping safe
 New Zealand has an international reputation
as a safe and friendly country but you should
still take all the security precautions you
would take in your own country or anywhere
else in the world. For example, you should
look after your belongings, not carry large
amounts of cash, and not do things that you
know to be against the law.

38. Keeping safe
 You need to be over 18 before you can
purchase alcohol or cigarettes. Smoking
cannabis is illegal. If you need advice about
other things, for example, personal security
or legal welfare issues, ask one of the
Student Services Team members.

39. Street safety
 There can be times, locations or circumstances
when there are concerns in public places Be aware
and take notice of what's around you. Check street
signs so you know where you are and if you need to
call the Police you can be easily located. Keep to
areas where other people are about, and that are
well lit at night. Avoid vacant blocks, parks or
shortcuts through alleys or waste ground, and do
not walk close to arcade entrances or areas where a
person might be hiding.

40. Street safety
 Body language is important. A person who is
confident, walking upright and briskly is less likely to
become a victim. There may be times when it's best
not to walk through a group of people. Cross the
road to avoid contact.
 Plan for a friend to pick you up or take a taxi rather
than walk alone at night. If you feel uncomfortable in
a situation, take steps to keep yourself safe

41. Street safety
. Consider:
 Covering up expensive jewellery when
walking
 Keeping your house and car keys separate in
case your handbag or bag is snatched
 Carrying a personal alarm or mobile phone
 Telling family, friends or colleagues of your
plans

42. If you think you are being
followed
 If you think someone is following you, cross
the street, more than once if necessary, vary
your pace and change direction, to confirm
your suspicions. If someone is following you,
go as quickly as possible to the nearest place
where there will be other people. This could
be a service station, fast-food outlet, or house
with lights on. Call the Police immediately.

43. In an emergency
 If you need immediate medical help (for
example, because of an accident), need to
talk to the Police or to report a fire, phone
111. The call is free. A person will ask you
which service you need (Fire, Police, or
Ambulance). Be ready to tell them what has
happened and where you are. If someone is
injured and needs to go to hospital, an
ambulance will arrive and take them.

44. In an emergency
 If it's not possible to make a phone call go as
quickly as possible to the nearest place
where there are other people. This could be a
service station, fast-food outlet, or a house
with lights on. If you can’t do this, make lots
of noise to attract attention. As soon as you
can, go to a safe place and dial 111 and ask
for the emergency service you need (e.g.
Fire, Police, or Ambulance).

45. In an emergency
 If you need urgent medical treatment, but are
well enough to travel, you can also make
your own way to an Accident and Emergency
centre or hospital or ask a friend to take you,

46. The Police
 There are several organisations in New
Zealand concerned with public safety. The
Police are there to help anyone at any time.
 When you move into your accommodation,
find out where your local Police Station is,
and its phone number. You can go to your
local Police station for help or phone them.
Look in your local telephone book for the
number, or go to:
w w w . p o lic e . g o v t . n z .

47. The Police
 The Police also have access to a FREE
telephone interpreting service called
Language Line. It operates from Monday to
Friday 10am - 6pm. When you contact the
Police either in person or face to face, just
ask for Language Line and your language
(e.g. Language Line Mandarin). Language
Line is available in 35 languages. For further
details, go to:
w w w . la n g u a g e lin e . g o v t . n z

48. The Police
 If there is a crime, the Police will investigate
and advise you about follow-up action. They
will tell you about other support services that
may be helpful, such as Victim Support,
which helps people who have been the victim
of a crime, accident or emergency. Look
under 'Victim Support' in your local telephone
book. The Police also have quick access to
interpreters who can help explain things if
necessary.

49. The Police
 Your local branch of the Community Law
Centre may also be able to provide advice
and assistance. These centres provide free
advice on New Zealand laws and legal
procedures. Many cities and towns have
Community Law Centres; the phone number
will be in your local telephone book.

50. The Police
 You should also tell the Student Services
Team at KITE as they will be able to offer
support and may be able to help you when
you are dealing with the Police.
 A publication on 'your rights as a victim', in
several languages, is on the Ministry of
Justice website go to: www.justice.govt.nz.
(look under “Information and Publications”
then “Victims”).

51. If you are accused of a crime
 If you are arrested, you have the right to contact a
lawyer as soon as possible. If you appear in court,
you will need a lawyer. There will be a lawyer at the
court who will give you legal help, or you can hire
your own lawyer. Lawyers are in the best position to
advise you on your legal rights. You also have the
right to contact your Embassy and your family. You
can also contact your local Community Law Centre
(in your local telephone book) for information and
advice about New Zealand laws.

52. Being safe around water
 Information under this title has been sourced
from: www.watersafety.org.nz
 Because of the nature of the country, many
recreational activities are based around water
and you need to be careful when swimming
or learning water sports or activities.

53. Being safe around water
 Many of New Zealand's most popular beaches are
patrolled by Surf Life Savers.
 These are people qualified to advise people on
safety at the beach and are on hand to help if
people are in trouble in the water.
 The Surf Life Savers put up two flags when they are
on duty.
 The flags are usually bright red and yellow and
show the area of the sea that is safest to swim in.
 This is also the area that they will be watching
closely. Always swim between these flags.

54. Being safe around water
 If you want to enjoy New Zealand’s lakes, rivers,
swimming pools, and beaches or participate in any
water-based activity you should:
 learn to swim (contact your local city council
swimming pool for details about lessons)
 always swim (or kayak or fish) with someone else.
Never go alone
 make sure you swim between the flags at the
beach.

55. Health services – looking after
yourself
 New Zealand has a wide range of health
services available.
 The local telephone book has a section at the
front that lists hospitals, medical centres
(local doctor’s clinics) and dentists.
You must have medical insurance
 If you are an international student, it is
compulsory.

56. Protection from the Sun
 New Zealand has very strong UV rays which can
cause your skin to burn, even on cloudy days.
 When outside you should wear a hat, sunglasses to
protect your eyes and sun lotion.
 You should also be aware of your burn time if laying
in the sun.
 The whiteness of snow also increases the risk of
burning as does being around water, due to the
reflection.

57. Visiting a Doctor (GPs)
 You can choose any doctor or medical centre
close to where you are living or studying, for
non emergencies.
 Most GPs charge between NZ$50 and
NZ$80 a visit.
 Your medical insurance may cover the costs
for visits to the doctor and prescriptions.

58. Medication from the pharmacy
and tests
 If the Doctor writes a prescription you will
need to go to a pharmacy or chemist for your
medication.
 You will have to pay for the prescription.
 The cost will depend on the particular
medication you are prescribed.
 Charges will also apply to any diagnostic
tests (such as blood tests) from a laboratory.

59. Optometrist
 Average cost:
 Eye testing NZ$80 plus
 Glasses around NZ$300 plus
 Contact lenses NZ$150 (six month prescription)
Dentists
 Average cost: $100 plus for an appointment. Any
additional procedures are an extra cost.
 You will have to pay for both of these services yourself,
some Medical Insurers may contribute to the costs.
 Locations can be found at: www.yellowpages.co.nz

60. Hospitals
 There will be charges for your care which
your medical insurance should cover, unless
it is the result of an accident.
 Hospitals in New Zealand, especially those in
Auckland are quite diverse so there will
usually be someone who can assist you if
you encounter any language difficulties
during the admissions process etc.

61. What happens if you suffer an
injury or accident?
 The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides
24-hour, personal injury or accident cover for New
Zealanders and visitors to New Zealand.
 For more information, free phone 0800 101 996 or go to
w w w .a c c .g o vt.nz
 ACC also have a free Language Line which has 35
different languages available. You can request to use
this service when you contact ACC on the above
number. This service is not available on weekends.
www.languageline.govt.nz

62. Meningitis (Meningococcal
disease)
 The symptoms of Meningococcal disease are
as follows:
 Fever and headache
 Vomiting
 Sleepiness, confusion, delirium or
unconsciousness
 A stiff neck and dislike of bright lights
 Joint pain and aching muscles
 A rash or spots (show your doctor)

63. Meningitis (Meningococcal
disease)
 However the symptoms do not always appear at the same time.
 If you suspect that you have Meningitis or a friend does:
 Ring a doctor or medical centre right away – whether it is day or
night
 Say what the symptoms are
 Insist on immediate action – don’t be put off – a life may be at
risk
 If a person has been cleared by a doctor, they should still be
watched. If you are unhappy with the doctor and still think there
is something wrong then go to the hospital.
 Don’t leave them alone

64. Recreation
 There are many local clubs or church groups
you can join in your spare time.
 Clubs range from playing cards to playing
sports.
 Joining a club is a good way to meet other
people with similar interests to you.
 There are also many free activities to do
around the city as well as paid activities.

65. Fishing
 New Zealand has a large number of excellent
fishing spots and fishing is very popular.
 Each year thousands of people go fishing therefore
strict regulations have to be maintained as over
fishing can seriously affect local fisheries.
 Don’t take more than the daily limits
 Don’t take undersized fish
 Don’t sell or trade your catch

66. Fishing
 The onus is on individuals to stay within the legal
requirements. Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.
 Those caught breaking these rules face can be
penalised with an infringement notice of up to NZ$500 or
for serious offences up to NZ$250,000 with loss of
vessels and vehicles.
 Numerous smaller offences, or one big offence, can lead
to an immigration visa or permit being revoked.
 For further information you can contact
0800 4RULES (0800 478537).

67. Bush walking or tramping
 New Zealand is famous for its beautiful outdoor
environment, and bush walking and tramping are
enjoyable ways of experiencing it.
 It is important to be prepared for all types of
weather, no matter what the weather is like when
you leave. Warm, waterproof clothing is essential.
 You'll need to be prepared for emergencies as
well as weather changes (e.g. a first aid kit).
 Visit your local Department of Conservation (DoC)
office for information about local walks and tramps
or go to:www.doc.govt.nz and click on ‘explore’.